Monsoon Rains Disrupt Flight Operations in Karachi

Heavy monsoon showers in Karachi on Tuesday disrupted flight operations at Jinnah International Airport, with both domestic and international schedules affected, according to the Pakistan Aviation Authority (PAA).

The downpour, which lashed multiple areas across the city, also led to power outages and waterlogging, prompting authorities to issue precautionary advisories for citizens.

PAA spokesperson Saifullah Khan confirmed that several flights were delayed or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Among them, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-304 from Karachi to Lahore, originally set for 2pm, was delayed until 5pm. PIA’s services to Quetta and Sukkur were cancelled, while its Karachi-to-Islamabad route experienced an hour-long delay.

In a statement, PIA’s Corporate Communication Division acknowledged that operations in both Karachi and Islamabad were impacted by strong winds and heavy rainfall. Passengers were advised to stay updated on flight timings by contacting the PIA Call Centre.

International flights also faced setbacks. FlyDubai flight FZ335, traveling from Dubai to Karachi, was diverted to Multan before eventually landing in Karachi at 7pm. Similarly, FlyJinnah’s flight 9P866 from Peshawar arrived two hours late due to the weather.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department had earlier forecasted monsoon showers for Karachi this week. By 8pm Tuesday, Gulshan-i-Hadeed recorded the highest rainfall at 170mm, followed by the Airport Old Area at 158.5mm and Jinnah Terminal at 153mm. Several other areas, including Nazimabad, Surjani Town, and DHA Phase VII, also received significant rainfall.

In response, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab declared a citywide rain emergency, directing all essential services to remain on duty with immediate effect and suspending staff leave.

While the rains provided much-needed relief from summer heat, they also raised the risk of urban flooding, a recurring challenge for the metropolis during the monsoon season.